Poaceae: Leymus cinereus
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Family Name
Poaceae
Common Name
Basin wild rye
Description
Leymus cinereus is a robust perennial bunchgrass growing 60 to 150 cm tall. It has a fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes, allowing it to spread and form dense clumps. The stems are erect, round to slightly flattened, and typically glabrous or sparsely hairy. Leaves are alternate, simple, and linear, measuring about 15 to 40 cm long and 8 to 15 mm wide, with entire margins and smooth to slightly rough surfaces. Leaf sheaths are open, smooth or sparsely pubescent, and longer than the internodes. The ligule is a short, membranous fringe about 1 to 2 mm long. The inflorescence is a narrow, dense spike or spike-like panicle flowering from late spring to mid-summer (May–July). Spikelets are 10 to 20 mm long, each containing multiple florets. Flowers have three stamens, and the pistil consists of a single ovary with two feathery stigmas. The fruit is a caryopsis approximately 4 to 6 mm long. Basin wild rye is native to South Dakota and thrives in a variety of habitats including prairies, riverbanks, and disturbed sites, especially in well-drained soils.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seeds from mature spikelets in late summer.
Germination: Seeds benefit from cold stratification; sow in fall or early spring.
Vegetative Propagation: Rhizome division possible but less common.
Soils: Prefers well-drained soils including sandy, loamy, and gravelly substrates.
Light: Thrives in full sun.
Water: Moderate moisture preferred; drought tolerant once established.
Additional Notes
Basin wild rye is important for reclamation of disturbed lands, soil stabilization and erosion control, especially in riparian areas. It provides forage for wildlife and livestock.